Special Issue: Recent Advances in Structural Engineering

Abstract

Papers were presented by the international and regional scholars in the area of Structural Engineering. The Special Issue is a collection of the peer adjudged 18 papers from the Conference, including 4 keynote papers. Exciting new developments in the world of computational mechanics and materials are leading the way to advances in Structural Engineering. Computational modeling developments are the catalyst for a new wave of research into problems addressing nanoand micromechanical behavior, in addition to provide improved constitutive models for monotonic, cyclic and dynamic loading of structures. Innovations in materials engineering include the use of nano-technology in the production of superior concretes and adhesives, smart materials and their use in retrofitting of damaged structures, and use of new superplasticizers and mineral admixtures in the production of ultra-high strength concrete. Such developments in the world of structural mechanics and materials make demands on structural engineering researchers to match the advances, and to conceive and design structures that would take full advantage of the innovations. The use of these models and the new generation of materials by structural engineers in traditional and innovative structures are now allowing the buildings to reach higher into the skies, for bridges to traverse distances and terrain not dreamt of before and to provide for safe and stable foundations for such structures. The structural engineer has to interface with the geotechnical engineer and be cognizant of developments in geotechnical engineering. The 18 papers in the Special Issue address subjects in various broad groups, including three papers in concrete materials and durability modeling (including two keynote papers, one on nano-concrete and another on improvement of durability of post-tensioned reinforced concrete bridges), five papers in precast and prestressed concrete and bridges (including a keynote presentation on the challenge of using CFRP cables in ultra-long span suspension bridges), and two papers including a keynote address on ferrocement and fiber reinforced concrete. Considering the recent natural disasters that have occurred around the world, two papers on earthquake engineering, including a theme presentation addressing this very important topic in the regional context, have been included. Three papers on the use of FRP’s in retrofitting and repair of reinforced concrete structures, two papers on composites including a theme presentation on the design of composite columns, and one paper addressing soil–structure interaction complete the list of eighteen papers selected for inclusion. It is hoped that this Special Issue will provide researchers and practicing professionals in the Gulf region with valuable information which can be incorporated in the design of new structures and stimulate further research in structural design, constitutive modeling and computational mechanics, and concrete materials. The team of Technical Editors would like to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation first to KFUPM for hosting the 11th ASEC Conference, allowing regional and international scholars to share their experiences with the engineering community in the Kingdom. The Editors also offer thanks to the authors who responded spontaneously to the invitation to submit enhanced versions of their 11th ASEC papers for review for possible inclusion in this Special Issue. Special thanks are due to the referees for their meticulous reviews, and for their role in improving the presentations and the discussions in the papers.